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Hackers infiltrate US power grid |
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Written by Peter Scott
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Thursday, 09 April 2009 19:26 |
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Supposedly Russian and Chinese spies
The US government has conceded that the nation's power grin is
susceptible to online attacks, following media reports that it had been
breached by hackers.
The Wall Street Journal claims Russian and Chinese spies are behind the
incursion, and claims the unwanted visitors left behind software which
could be used to deactivate the grid and dim the skylines of US cities,
completely.
"The vulnerability is something we have known about for years," said US
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. "We acknowledge that...
in this world, in an increasingly cyber world, these are increasing
risks."
However, Ms Napolitano did not confirm WSJ's report of a breach, but
she did say security experts were not surprised by the claims. Security
watchers claim SCADA equipment used to control vital infrastructure is
vulnerable, as it has not kept pace with recent technological
developments.
Moreover, they warn that if the claims of Russian and Chinese
involvement are correct, they could be just an effort to expose
weaknesses in the systems. Obviously, if Russian and Chinese hackers
can do it, then so can others, in retaliation over US foreign policy, or
just because the hot blond in class turned them down for the prom.
More here.
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